The tulip's entry into Dutch society came in the 16th century when diplomats from Constantinople were said to have brought over the flowering plant. The Dutch botanist, Carolus Clusius of Leyden is credited as one of Holland's earliest growers. His showy tulip display caught the eye of his neighbors and created a tulip craze among the Dutch. Sixteenth and seventeenth century Dutch painters further elevated the flower's status. During this period, Dutch artists were experimenting with still-life paintings, many of which focused on elaborate flower arrangements. The tulip took center stage in their botanical portraits and led to what the Dutch refer to as 'tulipmania'.

By 1636, the unregulated Dutch tulip industry was booming. The demand for the flowers could not keep up with supply and the price of single bulbs soared. Since tulips had become the rage in most of Europe, the Netherlands became the main exporter for the European continent. Especially valued were the bi-colored tulips, known as 'broken' tulips.